Indiana Department of Correction

The number of women in prison is increasing at nearly twice the rate of male offenders (Harrison & Beck, 2003). Fully 70% of women in prison are mothers, leading to estimates of 1.3 million American children with mothers in prison (Mumola, 2000). "The typical incarcerated female is of child rearing age, unmarried, a minority group member, a mother of minor children, undereducated, economically marginal, and has considerable experience with or is dependent on drugs or alcohol” (Sandifer & Kurth, 2000, pg. 365). These mothers, although typically desiring the opportunity to establish or continue to bond with their child, may have limited chances for the frequent and routine contact that keeps the growth of the relationship.

The Wee Ones Nursery Program at IWP

In March 2008, the Indiana Women’s Prison implemented the Wee Ones Nursery (W.O.N.), a voluntary program available for pregnant offenders who met eligibility criteria. The intent of the W.O.N. program is to provide parenting education and to ensure quality time to strengthen the mother-infant bond during the initial months after the infant’s birth. During the past 19 months, 36 offenders have participated in the W.O.N. The W.O.N. program is modeled after a similar program in Ohio. Mothers and their babies have private rooms in one housing unit. A small cadre of trained nannies from the offender population also live on the housing unit, and assist the mothers in caring for their infants while the mothers attend classes, counseling appointments, and/or similar obligations. The program also included ongoing training of the mothers in child development and attachment.

W.O.N. Criteria

Offender is pregnant at the time she is delivered into the custody of the Department of Correction

Offenders earliest possible release date is not more than eighteen months after the projected delivery date

Offender must have a conduct history free of any Class A findings of guilt for the past 12 months and free of any Class B findings of guilt for the past 6 months

Offender has never been convicted of a violent crime or any type of child abuse or child endangerment determined by the pediatrician

Offender and her child must meet established medical and mental health criteria determined by the pediatrician

Offender has at least an eighth grade reading level; no one else has been granted custody or is sharing parenting privileges of the child

Offender must be willing to sign a covenant agreeing to abide by all the rules of the W.O.N. program and indicating she will participate fully in the program

Additional Programs Offered to W.O.N. Participates

Family Healing:The focus of learning will be divided among themes of understanding family system patterns and how individuals are a part of them, the importance of family history, and family communication patterns.

Healthy Starts:This group will offer education and support to women who are pregnant or mothers of children under age two. Focus is on building self-esteem, guidelines for healthy relationships, and connecting with community resources.